Step into history as Queensway Tunnel monument returns to Liverpool

Visitors can now get a closer look at one of Liverpool’s most important historic landmarks after the completion of a new public space at Old Haymarket and the return of the iconic Queensway Tunnel monument.

Located at the Liverpool entrance to the Queensway Tunnel, the transformed space has been redesigned to create a more welcoming and accessible area in the city centre, complete with new landscaping, seating and restored heritage features that celebrate Liverpool’s rich transport history.

The project marks the return of the Queensway Tunnel monument to Liverpool for the first time in more than 60 years.

As part of the improvements, the original Art Deco toll booths have been carefully restored using traditional materials and conservation techniques, helping to preserve an important part of the tunnel’s architectural legacy.

Visitors can also see the return of the site’s historic Venetian glass mosaic, alongside a new bronze tactile map of the tunnel network, offering an interactive and accessible way to explore the story of one of the city’s greatest engineering achievements.

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram said: “The Queensway Tunnel is one of the defining engineering achievements of our city region’s history, and the monument that marked its construction stood as a symbol of the ambition and confidence that shaped Liverpool.

“It’s about restoring some of our lost cultural assets, investing in public art and the return of civic pride, and it stands as a beacon of hope for our future.”

Roads and Buses Minister Simon Lightwood said: “Our historic landmarks tell the story of the communities they serve, which is why it is great to see Liverpool’s iconic Queensway Tunnel monument reinstated.

“As well as restoring people’s pride in their community, we are backing Liverpool City Region with £37.5 million in Government funding as part of our efforts to boost connections in the region and improve journeys up and down the country.”

When the Queensway Tunnel opened in 1934, matching monuments designed by architect Herbert Rowse stood at both the Liverpool and Birkenhead entrances. The Liverpool monument was removed during road layout changes in the 1960s.

Its return celebrates Liverpool’s proud engineering and transport heritage while helping to enhance one of the city’s key gateway locations.

The reconstructed monument stays true to the original design, featuring black marble style columns topped with gilded lamps that were originally designed to illuminate the tunnel entrances and reflect the scale and significance of the project.

While maintaining the look of the original structure, the new monument has been built using modern engineering techniques and reinforced concrete finished to closely resemble the original black granite.

The scheme forms part of a wider programme of investment across the Liverpool City Region aimed at restoring historic assets, improving public spaces and supporting long term regeneration.

The project has been delivered with support from UK Government funding.

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